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Sherry's Comeback: Whisky Casks Fuel Demand
2 Feb
Summary
- Whisky production drives renewed global demand for sherry.
- Sherry is used to season casks, imparting flavor to single malt whisky.
- Spain's sherry makers see significant growth from distillers.
Scotland's iconic whisky industry has sparked a surprising resurgence in demand for sherry, a fortified wine that had seen declining popularity. Major sherry producers have revealed that distilleries in Scotland are now a key driver of their business, utilizing sherry to season the oak casks essential for aging single malt whisky.
This process is vital as newly distilled whisky is a plain spirit, acquiring its complex flavors and colors from the cask. Sherry, particularly when aged in European oak, imparts fruity or nutty notes to the whisky. The seasoning process, which can take over a year, adds significant value to the casks, with prices increasing substantially after seasoning.
Sherry makers in Jerez, Spain, are capitalizing on this lucrative expansion. Approximately one-third of the sherry casks undergoing aging in Jerez are seasoned for sale to distilleries. Over 120,000 certified sherry casks were shipped globally in the past year, with around 80% destined for Scotland, underscoring the critical importance of this trade for the region.
